[nine_k]

It only works when first you accumulate some resources (knowledge, money, wisdom, strength, whatever) which you can then spend on others.

Just staying poor and spending your whole days on searching for food (or a drink, or a dose) does not provide one with many opportunities to do interesting things with their life.

Giving is what makes a life great. But you have to have something to give first.

[actionfromafar]

True.

I think it can also mean that you are free to do things which are not possible if you chain your actions to the goal of financial success.

[nine_k]

Yes, not necessarily a financial success. Success or resource of any kind, taken widely. Prince Gautama did not share his inherited riches, instead he shared the information about the path to enlightenment. William Shakespeare was apparently tight with money, what he shared was his mastery of English language. Etc.

[ponector]

But if you are poor and live in poverty - there is almost nothing you can do, only to struggle to get by another day.